News

Deer Camp 2008

Posted: 08 Dec 2008
By Jared Deckard

Every year several campers come out to our parks and set up deer camp. This year was no exception. As I patrolled the lake, I saw many deer camps set up in our campgrounds.

I made an effort to stop at most of the deer camps in our parks to talk with the hunters and hear their stories. One particular campsite caught my attention with a feral hog that field dressed at about 350 pounds and was hanging from a tree. It was taking the attention off the deer standing beside it. Feral hogs are considered a nuisance and can be dangerous to humans. They can carry diseases and destroy vegetation that native wildlife depends on for survival. Feral hogs are not very prevalent around Stockton Lake, and although they are impressive to see, it is good whenever we learn about a hog taken off our lands. We hope for future days with fewer and fewer of these beasts destroying natural habitats in Missouri.

I also saw many impressive bucks, many first-time deer and a whole lot of deer to fill the freezer. If you are in need for a good place to hunt next year, head on out to Stockton Lake and set up camp at one of our many campgrounds. Lake maps are available to view on this Web site or are available at our project office near the dam. Our maps show boundary lines and huntable versus non-huntable land. Also be sure to know the rules of the county you hunt in as well as follow posted restrictions.

Stockton Lake's Eagle Days 2009

Photo by Mike Watkins

Posted: 08 Dec 2008
By Nathan Wallace

At the beginning of each New Year, the Stockton Lake Association, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Missouri Department of Conservation combine forces to bring the community a spectacle of nature's beauty known as the Eagle Days. The 13th annual Eagles Days will be held Jan. 3, 2009, at 10 a.m.

To maximize convenience, three separate locations around the lake will be used for tour starting points; Orleans Trail Marina, Mutton Creek Marina and Stockton State Park Marina. In addition, the marinas will also be providing pontoon boats to ferry spectators to and from eagle observation areas. These yearly tours offer a view point of Stockton Lake not seen from the roadway or campground and can offer a breathtaking view of nature's beauty.

Local Missouri Department of Conservation agents conduct annual eagle counts on the lake each year. These counts are conducted before the Eagle Days tour takes place revealing the eagle "hot spots" around the lake. The annual Stockton Lake census has averaged approximately 75 eagles during the past several years, with the few years count nearing 100 eagles!

While Eagle Days is quickly becoming a pastime of the Stockton Lake community. Fifty to 75 sightseers brave the winter to catch a glimpse at these majestic birds. Also, don't forget about the other creatures that call Stockton Lake home. This area thrives in deer, turkey, beaver and plenty of fish!

An event like this takes the whole community to work together, so a donation is requested by the Stockton Lake Association, but not required. The donations benefit Stockton Lake and surrounding areas.

If you are interested in taking part in this breathtaking experience for the first time or are returning for another blissful tour, please register with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Stockton Lake Project Office at (417) 276-3113 prior to the tour date. Please dress appropriately for the day's weather conditions, and don't forget to bring your binoculars and camera. In case of extreme weather, please tune in to KRWP 107.7 FM or KTTS 94.7 FM for cancellation information.

Physically Challenged Deer Hunt at Stockton Lake

Hunter: Brad Shoemaker assisted by guide (name not available)

Posted: 08 Dec 2008
By Jared Deckard

Since 1998, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has organized a deer hunt for people who are physically challenged, and every year a few more stories of this great outdoor experience are born. This hunt provides an opportunity to experience the sport of deer hunting while helping to control the ever-growing deer population in the park areas maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The event spans three days, beginning with a sight-in day and followed by two days of hunting. A location is provided for the hunters to sight-in their rifles, bows and crossbows, assuring them a perfect shot when the trophy buck is between their crosshairs or sights. The hunters arrive before dawn to the base camp the following Saturday morning. The base camp, set up with a warm fireplace and delicious food provided by a lot of nice folks and the local Lions Club, provides a true "deer camp" for the hunters to return with their kills (or the stories of the one's that got away).

Each year 15 hunters come out to take part in the deer hunt. In 2000, we began a standby list containing five additional hunters who may be called upon if one of the original 15 hunters tag out or are unable to hunt the full two days. Several volunteers from the community assist with guiding the hunters and preparing the kills for processing. Sponsors of the hunt are the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Stockton Lions Club, Bass Pro, Buck Knives, Sonic Drive-In, Zumwalt Pharmacy, the Missouri Department of Conservation, Catch-A-Dream, Ron Hawkins and Stockton Feeds.